Our Children Deserve the Best

We all want our children and grandchildren to grow up healthy and safe. Child Protection Week reminds us that we all have a part to play in protecting children. Neighbours, teachers, family friends, sports coaches and community members all play a role in supporting parents and families to create positive and safe environments. Many organisations also help provide support and opportunities for families and their children.

Anglicare NT provides services across the Northern Territory that assist children, families and communities. Services includes early childhood, child development, youth and family support, accommodation assistance, early intervention and Out of Home Care. In East Arnhem, Anglicare NT provides community playgroups and parenting enhancement activities in many communities. In Darwin, Katherine and Milingimbi, our Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) supports parents to prepare their 3 and 4-year-old children for a good start to school.

“One of Anglicare NT’s core values recognises the importance of building welcoming and connected communities that are able to care for children and families. Our activities aim to promote healthy relationships and child-friendly communities, support young people at risk and reduce disadvantage,” said Anglicare NT CEO Dave Pugh.

“For example, the Communities for Children program in Alice Springs works towards achieving positive outcomes for children and families experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage. The program supports local community services and encourages cross sector collaboration and partnerships.”

Communities for Children are currently working on a project with a group of local organisations to create a ‘Child Friendly Alice’.

“We want to produce a resource for the Alice Springs community that outlines the kind of community children and families in Alice Springs want,” said Jan Fleming, Manager of Communities for Children at Anglicare NT.

“We are currently undertaking community consultation to engage with as many people as we can to get their stories and ideas. The stories, based around 4 questions, will be combined with other data to create a resource for everyone in the community that can be used to plan for a better, child friendly Alice Springs.”

Anyone interested in sharing their ideas for a Child Friendly Alice can attend the first community forum on Wednesday 12 September from 5-6.30pm at the Andy McNeil Room, Alice Springs Town Council or contact Jan Fleming jfleming@anglicare-nt.org.au